Question

After reviewing a patient's assessment findings, the nurse suspects a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which phase of ARDS is the patient experiencing?

A. Injury phase
B. Reparative phase
C. Proliferative phase
D. Fibroproliferative phase

Answer 1

If a nurse suspects ARDS based on a patient's assessment findings, the phase of ARDS the patient is likely experiencing is A. Injury phase, which is the initial stage of the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the injury phase is marked by acute inflammation and lung injury, and is, therefore, the initial phase a patient would likely be experiencing if they are newly diagnosed. Assessing ​a patient's signs and symptoms can help determine the presence of ARDS and the phase of the disease. Other phases following the initial injury phase include the reparative or proliferative phase, during which the lung begins to heal, and the fibroproliferative phase, characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. In the context of the question provided, if a nurse suspects a diagnosis of ARDS after reviewing a patient's assessment findings, the most likely answer would be A. The injury phase, as is the stage that reflects the patient's acute condition.